Description
A luscious Chocolate Orange Layer Cake featuring moist cocoa layers infused with coffee and orange juice, layered with a vibrant orange filling and topped with a rich dark chocolate ganache. This elegant cake beautifully balances deep chocolate flavors with bright citrus notes, perfect for special occasions or indulgent treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
Orange Filling
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Ganache
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the cake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, then mix until the batter is smooth and well combined. Gradually stir in the hot coffee to incorporate fully.
- Bake the cake layers: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely on wire racks.
- Prepare the orange filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, and orange juice. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat, then stir in the orange zest and butter until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool.
- Make the chocolate ganache: Heat the heavy cream until steaming but not boiling. Pour it over the chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes to melt. Stir until smooth and shiny.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of orange filling evenly over it. Repeat layering with remaining cakes and filling. Pour the ganache over the top, allowing it to drip elegantly down the sides. Let ganache set before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute brewed coffee with strong black tea if preferred.
- Make sure the cake layers are completely cool before assembling to prevent melting the filling or ganache.
- The orange filling can be made a day in advance and refrigerated to save time.
- For a more intense orange flavor, add a teaspoon of orange extract to the filling.
- Store the assembled cake refrigerated and serve at room temperature.
